Do I Need a Visa for Brazil? 2026 Rules for US, Canadian and Australian Travelers
Who needs Brazil's e-visa, what it costs, how long it takes and how to apply on the official site, plus the countries that can still visit visa-free.
Since 10 April 2025, citizens of the United States, Canada and Australia need a visa to visit Brazil as tourists. The good news: it's an electronic visa, you apply online, and for most people it's straightforward. Here's how it works, and the mistakes that cost people their trip.
Who needs a visa?
- US, Canadian and Australian citizens: need an e-visa for tourism, business visits and visiting family.
- UK and EU citizens: can visit visa-free for up to 90 days.
- Most of Latin America: visa-free, and citizens of Mercosur countries can enter with a national ID card.
- Other nationalities: check the list on the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Itamaraty) website.
The e-visa in short
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Where to apply | The official portal run by VFS Global for the Brazilian government (brazil.vfsevisa.com) |
| Fee | US$ 80.90, paid by card, not refundable |
| Stay | Up to 90 days per entry, maximum 180 days in any 12 months |
| Validity | Multiple entries, valid for years (check the date on yours) |
| Processing | Usually around 5 to 10 working days |
How to apply, step by step
- Go to the official portal. Search results are full of agencies that charge two or three times more for the same form. The Brazilian embassy and consulates link to the right site.
- Create an account and start a tourist (VIVIS) application.
- Upload your documents: passport photo page, a recent photo with a white background, proof of funds (recent bank statements), and usually your flight and accommodation plans.
- Pay the fee by credit or debit card.
- Wait for the approval email and print the e-visa or keep the PDF on your phone. Airlines check it at check-in.
Mistakes that ruin trips
- Passport validity: make sure your passport is valid for your whole stay, and ideally six months beyond it. Airlines are strict.
- Name mismatch: the name on the visa must match your passport exactly, middle names included.
- Overstaying: staying past 90 days without an extension means a daily fine when you leave, and it can complicate future entries.
- Working on a tourist visa: remote work for a foreign employer is a grey zone for short trips. If you plan to work from Brazil for months, look at the digital nomad visa instead.
Before you fly
- Travel insurance with medical cover. Brazil doesn't require it for tourists, but private hospitals are expensive.
- Data on arrival so you can show your bookings and call an Uber. See our eSIM guide.
- Yellow fever vaccination if you're heading to the Amazon or other rural areas. Ask a travel clinic.
FAQ
Can I get a visa on arrival?
No. If your nationality needs a visa, you must have it before you board. Airlines will deny boarding without it.
I have a Brazilian parent. Do I need the visa?
If you're a Brazilian citizen (many children of Brazilians are, even if born abroad), you should enter Brazil with a Brazilian passport. Contact the nearest consulate to register your citizenship.
Can I extend my stay?
You can ask the Federal Police (Polícia Federal) for an extension before your 90 days run out, up to the 180-day yearly limit. Do it in person, with your passport and proof of funds.
Do I need a visa for a layover in Brazil?
If you stay inside the international transit area, usually not. If you need to change airports, collect bags or clear immigration, you need to be able to enter Brazil.
